States and Guernsey MIND partner over mental health programme

Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at 11:25

Funding from Guernsey's health committee will see the supported, self help initiative continue for a second year.

The Health Committee is giving £65,000 to Guernsey MIND in a year long partnership to tackle community mental health issues.

HSC vice president Marc Leadbeater says it aligns with their goals:

"This agreement will focus on ensuring access to services and establishing early intervention in line with our Bailiwick Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy."

The CEO of Guernsey MIND, Jo Cottell, explains how the supported, self help initiative works:

"You'll have a workbook, and the idea is you'll get some tools and techniques to manage your thoughts and behaviours, some real practical skills, working with a practitioner over another five appointments."

She says an early intervention can keep islanders from suffering more serious problems:

"We would much prefer to see people early on, than wait before things get serious and then you have to see someone at secondary services."

Deputy Marc Leadbeater says this community based initiative can save the Health Committee money:

"Early intervention also avoids the need for more significant interventions later down the line for further support and treatment, saving costs through these preventative measures.”

The partnership and funding is one of more than 30 developed with Guernsey's community sector at a value estimated to be worth around £5M.